Shrine to humanity

PEOPLE TALK of brotherhood, as if it were a new politically correct concept. Such people like to forget in their political ramblings, that the civilisation of the sub-continent is built on a foundation of brotherhood, equality before the Divine, and an acceptance that compassion to all fellow beings is the highest religion. Books like "Gurdwaras in India and Pakistan", authored by Mohinder Singh with photographs by Sondeep Shankar, remind us of this truth.

This coffee table publication brought out by UBS Publishers' Distributors Private Limited, is replete with wonderfully shot views of gurdwaras including Guru Nanak's birthplace, the Panja Sahib - containing the palm imprint of Guru Nanak - and those across India. The text and pictures brings to life the important role of gurdwaras in spreading the message of brotherhood and service epitomised in the teachings of the Sikh gurus. Besides being places of worship, gurdwaras are centres of social service with facilities for medical treatment, lodging for pilgrims, and perhaps most importantly, free food for all in a casteless spirit of equality.

Since these ideas have been buried under half a century of political rhetoric and suspicion between communities and nations, it is with a sense of relief that we look forward yet again to the possibility of a thaw in relations between India and Pakistan. Whatever the success of the two countries' overtures, it would certainly be some time before we can freely travel between the two countries. So this book is a handy pilgrimage of sorts. We may not be able to breathe the air and touch the soil, but we can gaze at the pictures of these gurdwaras exuding tranquillity and be soothed, least bothered by jostling crowds or dust and heat.

ANJANA RAJAN

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